HARI Times... SITA-RAMA * RADHE-SHYAM JAN-FEB 2007

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1 HARI Times... SITA-RAMA * RADHE-SHYAM JAN-FEB 2007 PRIEST: Pujya Shastriji EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: President: Mr. Sunil Desai Sr. Vice President: Mr. Ravi Venkat Secretary: Mr. Krishna Repaka Treasurer: Mr. Pallav Bhonde Vice Presidents: Mrs. Nira Andharia Mr. Devki Khanna Mr. Sunny Patel Mrs. Deepa Patil Mr. Raj Wale School Directors: Mr. Hiten Amin Mrs. Lakshmi Shrikantia Youth Forum Directors: Dr. Mukul Parikh Mr. Aman Sapra BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Chairman: Mr. Harish Doshi Members: Mr. Janak Amin Mrs. Manisha Arya Dr. Neelima Parikh Mr. Kiran Patel Mr. Divyang Pathak Mr. Srini Subramanian Mr. Satish Upadhyay Mr. Jagannath Yedatore WE WISH ALL HARI DEVOTEES A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 2007 We request you to make your first check of the New Year payable to HARI. We earnestly thank all lifetime members for their unwavering support. Membership dues are: Annual (Jan to Dec): $51.00 (Sr. Citizens: $25.00) Lifetime: $ (Sr. Citizen: $300.00) NEW YEAR HAVAN Monday, January 1, 2007 at 10:30 am Followed by Lunch Prasad Sponsored by HARI Committee members MAKAR SANKRANTI / PONGAL Saturday, January 13, 2007 Carnatic Music at 4:30 pm Presented by Local Artists Followed by Dinner Prasad at 7:00 pm Sponsored by: South Indian Families SHIVA PUJA & RUDRABHISHEK Friday, February 16, 2007 After 7:00 Aarti to Midnight Pujya Shastriji will perform Shiva puja and Shiva Rudrabhishek on the actual day of Maha Shivaratri, Friday, 2/16/2007. Pujya Shastriji will also give a discourse on Dwadasha Jyotirlinga. MAHA SHIVARATRI Saturday, February 17, 2007 Maha Abhishek / Dinner Prasad: 5:00 pm Aarti and Devotional Music: 7:00 pm Sponsored by: York-Indian Community 301 Steigerwalt Hollow Road * New Cumberland * PA * (717)

2 IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION Priest Service Requests for outside of HARI Hall Rental Requests Sunil Desai (717) Dinner Coordinator for HARI Programs Lunch Coordinator for Geena Modi HARI Sunday School (717) HARI Times Editors Hiten Amin Ashok Shukla EKADASHI, PURNIMA, AMAWASYA January Wednesday Purnima 15 Monday Krishna Ekadashi Shattila 19 Friday Amawasya 29 Monday Shukla Ekadashi Jaya February Friday Purnima 14 Wednesday Krishna Ekadashi Vijaya 17 Saturday Amawasya 27 Tuesday Shukla Ekadashi Amalki Immediate needs at the temple: We thank you all devotees for a great response to our appeal for specific donation ($). Below are few items for which we are actively looking for donations. Please contact HARI Chairman and/or President for more information: Donations Sought PROJECT APPROX. COST REMARKS HARI Times sponsors $ One time printing and mailing of HARI Times. Two (2) wooden cabinets for PA System and related storage New flush ceiling type tube fittings in the dining hall area $1, Our current storage area is not adequate for storing PA system. $1, General maintenance and improvements in the dining area. Curtains for the stage area $12, Powered curtains, will also help close the area when not in use Security video surveillance and alarm system $10, HARI really needs general upgrade to the security. Donor s recognition PROJECT AMOUNT DONORS Security video surveillance and alarm system $2, Chandrakant & Shailini Kanabar HARI Times is a monthly publication of Hindu American Religious Institute (HARI), located at 301 Steigerwalt Hollow Road, New Cumberland, PA You may send your comments, suggestions, and important announcements to HARI Times Editors using the address provided on the HARI website Page 2

3 A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMITTEE The year 2006 was very productive for the HARI temple and we thank the committee members for their hard work and the spirit of volunteerism. Moving forward, there still are many challenges ahead of us as the community grows rapidly in the South Central Pennsylvania. As we take the charge for the year 2007, we will collectively work with the support of our community at large to achieve following goals. 30% Growth in membership Increase cultural and religious activities Greater participation of membership at large Introduce new programs for youth and seniors activities. Many of the adjustments that were put into progress last year will continue to carry out throughout this year with assertion. For example, we would like to follow through with the landscaping plans on the temple property and maintain the adornment. In addition, we will be increasing our means of communication to assure our members that they will be knowledgeable of all the advancements that we will be making to our home away from home. During our ongoing developments, we will bring the eminent and excelled religious festivities to celebrate our rich culture. For the year of 2007, the devoted organization takes inclusive accountability and transparency with immense contentment to ensure that the HARI temple remains a place to practice and enjoy the Hindu culture and religious value. This year s committee conveys a union of familiarity and unfamiliarity; vigilance and enthusiasm; and most prominently, a sincere passion and a dedication to serve. We are privileged and honored to have this opportunity, and be part of this great institute. Yours in service Chair, HARI Board of Trustee Harish Doshi President, HARI Executive Committee Sunil Desai CONGRATULATIONS to Deepak & Lakshmi Ramani, proud parents of MEENAKSHI, born on Wednesday, September 13, Proud grandparents are Srini and Vimla Sarma. to Chirag & Nita Barot, proud parents of SURAJ, born on Wednesday, October 25, Proud grandparents are Mahendra and Jayaben Bramhabhatt. to Amrish & Purnima Patel, proud parents of KHUSH, born on Wednesday, November 1, Page 3

4 ORGANIZATIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT 2007 HARI Committees: At the General Body meeting on Saturday, October 28, 2006, the following office bearers were declared elected: 2007 Executive Committee: President: Mr. Sunil Desai Sr. Vice President: Mr. Ravi Venkatasubramanian Secretary: Mr. Krishnaprasad Repaka Treasurer: Mr. Pallav Bhonde Vice Presidents (alphabetical order): 1. Mrs. Nira Andharia 2. Mr. Devki Khanna 3. Mr. Sunny Patel 4. Mrs. Deepa Patil 5. Mr. Raj Wale Board of Trustees (three-year term, from 2007 through 2009): 1. Mr. Janak Amin 2. Mrs. Manisha Arya 3. Mr. Kiran patel Chairman of the Board of Trustees: On Sunday, November 19, 2006, the Board of Trustees unanimously elected Mr. Harish Doshi as its Chairman for the year Resignation: Board of Trustees member Mr. Raghu Tadavarthy resigned from the Board for personal reasons. Mr. Tadavarthy had joined the Board in 2005 and has completed two of his threeyear term. We would like to thank Mr. Tadavarthy for his many years of services to the HARI community. OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY to the family of Mahendra Bramhabhatt who lost his beloved wife Mrs. Jayaben Brahmbhatt on Sunday, September 24, to the family of Kirti Shah, who lost her beloved mother Mrs. Hiraben Kantilal Shah on Friday, November 24, 2006 in NJ. Page 4

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS EXTENDED PRIEST SERVICES: We are very pleased to announce that HARI Priest, Pu. Shastriji, has started performing extended priest services at the temple and at devotees homes. You may contact HARI President for scheduling priest services. If the services are needed outside of the temple, you will need to arrange for his transportation. Extended Services at HARI Temple Archana Puja in person or by mail $10.00 Vahan (car) Puja In person $21.00 Shri Satyanarayana Puja Every Purnima 7:30 pm $21.00 Shri Satyanarayana Puja Any Day 11:00 am $21.00 Wedding / Engagements Members $ Others: $ Other Ceremonies $51.00 Extended Services at devotee's Home Devotees must pre-schedule with HARI President and the Priest. Based on various factors, this service may not be available all the time. Puja Ceremony (Gruhpravesh, Groundbreaking, etc.): Members: $101.00, Others: $ Wedding / Engagements: Members: $151.00, Others: $ Funeral Services: Members: $0.00, Others: $51.00 HARI SUNDAY SCHOOL: HARI Sunday school reopened on September 10, The school offers a variety of courses for children ages six and up in Hindu Religion, Gujarati, Hindi, Tamil, Indian Classical Dances, Indian Folk Dances, SAT preparation, and Stress Free Life (Yoga). A one-time registration fee per child per school year is required. Necessary information is provided at the time of registration or contact HARI School Directors Hiten Amin at (717) or Lakshmi Shrikantia at (717) After four years of services as the Bharatnatyam teacher, Mrs. Vatsala Srinivas has decided to discontinue classes at HARI effective immediately. We acknowledge her good work at HARI and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS... Weekly Bhajans & Bhagawad Gita Study: Each Friday from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, followed by prasad. Institute of Higher Understanding (IoHU) conducts the Bhajans & Bhagawad Gita study in collaboration with HARI. More at (717) or HbgVedic@yahoo.com Satyanarayan Puja: HARI observes the Satyanarayan Puja on each full moon day (Purnima) from 7:15 pm to 9:00 pm, seeking Lord s blessings for good health, peace, and prosperity of all HARI devotees. Monthly Havan: HARI Devotees Mrs. Aruna Lal and Mr. Satya Arya conduct Monthly Havan on the second Sunday of each month from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Devotees are encouraged to participate and sponsor the Monthly Havan. Page 5

6 A TRIBUTE TO MR. C. N. RAO Mr. Chellari Nageswara Rao, popularly known as C. N. Rao, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2006, in Kakinada, AP, in India, at the age of 70. Mr. C. N. Rao was one of the pillars of HARI. He was one of the original six-person team that became the force behind building a place of worship in the Harrisburg area - the place that we now know as the Hindu American Religious Institute (HARI Temple). According to the Hindu Lunar Calendar, both Mr. C. N. Rao and Mrs. Hersha H. Shah were born on the auspicious day of Ramanavami the birthday of Lord Shri Rama. That coincident was reason enough for the then HARI management to set the new HARI Temple s inauguration date on the auspicious day of the Ramanavami, Tuesday, March 26, After the temple was formally inaugurated on the Ramanavami day, Mr. C. N. Rao was elected as the next President of the institute, taking over charge from the Founder- President Mr. Hasu P. Shah. The original temple was opened only with the photographs of various deities but then on a trip to India, Mr. Rao managed donations for the statues of Lord Shri Rama, Shri Lakshman, and Shri Sitaji. The BOT enthusiastically approved the donation of the deities and that is how HARI was transformed into Rama Mandir. Mr. Rao worked at the Department of Environment Protection (DEP) from 1970 to 1982, until he moved out of the Harrisburg area. Mr. Rao had great affection for HARI and always kept the temple in his heart. He certainly maintained a good relation with his friends in the area and often paid a visit to the temple. Mr. Rao is survived by three sons and a daughter. May Lord Rama grant Param Sadgati to his departed soul. HARI MEMBERSHIP AND DONATION FORM Name: Last Name First Name MI Spouse s Name: First Name MI Maiden Name (optional) Address: Tel. No: ( ) - Regular Membership: Annual: $51.00 Lifetime: $ Senior Citizens Membership: Annual: $25.00 Lifetime: $ HARI Trust Fund Donation: $. General Donation: $. Total Enclosed: $ Yes, please add or correct the above entry in the upcoming HARI directory No, please remove the above entry from the upcoming HARI Directory Page 6

7 2007 HARI CALENDAR DATE EVENT PROGRAM SPONSORS Sunday, March 04 Holi / Dhuleti Variety Program by Children Saturday, March 24 Gudi Padva Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 Shri Ramanavami Shri Rama Charit Manas Recital (24 hours) Monday, April 02 Shri Hanuman Jayanti Chanting of Sri Hanuman Chalisa Family of Shri Biharilal Parikh Saturday, April 07 Shri Mahavir Jayanti Puja / Bhajans Jain Center of South Central PA Sunday, June 03 Sunday August 19 to Saturday August 25 Saturday, September 08 Saturday, September 15 HARI School Graduation Srimad Bhagwat Katha Shri Krishna Janmashtami Shri Ganesh Chaturthi Graduation Program Srimad Bhagwat Katha Ashok & Asha Agarwal Friday, October 12 to Saturday, October 20 Navaratri Mahotsav Durga Puja Raas-Garbaa Sunday, October 21 Dusherra Durga Puja *** N/A *** Saturday, November 10 Diwali Diwali Annakot, HARI Annual Meeting HARI Devotees ACTUAL DATES OF MAJOR FESTIVALS (JANUARY JUNE) , Sunday Makar Sankranti / Pongal , Tuesday Vasant Panchami , Friday Maha Shivaratri , Saturday Holi , Monday Gudi Padva , Tuesday Ramanavami , Saturday Mahavir Jayanti , Monday Hanuman Jayanti , Friday Akshay Tritiya ACTUAL DATES OF MAJOR FESTIVALS (JULY - DECEMBER) , Monday Rath Yatra , Tuesday Raksha Bandhan , Tuesday Krishna Janmashtami , Saturday Ganesh Chaturthi , Thursday Pitr-Paksha (Shraddh) begins , Friday Navaratri begins , Sunday Vijaya Dashami , Monday Karva Chauth , Friday Deepavali (Diwali) , Saturday Vikram Samvat 2064 Page 7

8 Hindu American Religious Institute Nonprofit Org 301 Steigerwalt Hollow Road US Postage Paid New Cumberland PA Harrisburg, PA Permit No 304 Directions: Take Exit 39A, Lewisberry Road, off I-83 Make left at the STOP for Route 114 West Go 1/3 mile; make Left on Steigerwalt Hollow Rd Go 1/2 mile to HARI Temple on right Phone: (717) Satyanarayan Katha Wednesday, January 3 at 7:15 pm Friday, February 2 at 7:15 pm Jain Swadhayay / Puja Sunday, January 7 at 2:00 pm Sunday, February 4 at 2:00 pm Satyanarayan Puja is performed on a full moon (Purnima) day to seek Lord s blessings for good health, peace, and wealth. The puja is performed with total devotion, offering fruits, flower, ghee, milk, yogurt, butter, wheat flour, sugar, and honey to Lord Satyanarayan. After the puja, the story of Lord Satyanarayan is read and the Prasad is distributed to all attendees. The puja thus performed brings in fulfillment of one s wishes and prosperity. Monthly Havan Sunday, February 11 at 5:30 pm HARI observes a monthly HAVAN on the second Sunday of each month, followed by Aarti and Prasad. Devotees are invited to attend the Havan with their friends and family members. Devotees who wish to sponsor the monthly Havan and/or Prasad at the monthly Havan are requested to contact any of the HARI committee members. Page 8